Montaigne

This Frenchman was born to parents of the nobility, but not the highest ranking of the French aristocracy. This sent his life in a given direction. He writes during the first 500 pages that his parents treated him gently. He explains that he feels this is the best methodology for those desiring to nurture honor and liberty in the offspring. He was granted a fine dwelling place, safe home and an education - all of which served him quite well during his youth.

For all there talk and writing of the leisure classes, there is an exception to this. The main exception is governance. Montaigne was commandeered for the purposes of serving as the Mayor of Bordeaux during his adult life. While this was only one of his jobs, it remains to have been one of his most important positions. He filled this position for two terms of office...